Mushroom and Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in a Savory Onion and Herb Sauce

These Mushroom and Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are the perfect balance of juicy, tender chicken, rich parmesan, and earthy mushrooms. Combined with a flavorful onion and herb sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 600g (21 oz) extra lean chicken mince (or turkey mince)
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms (baby portobello or any preferred variety)
• 90g (3 oz) freshly grated parmesan
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 handful fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Spray oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 red onions, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Prepare the mushrooms:
   • Finely chop the mushrooms, either using a knife or a food processor. The mushrooms should be chopped finely enough to easily mix into the meatball mixture without overpowering the texture.
2. Combine the ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, chopped mushrooms, grated parmesan, crushed garlic, and chopped fresh parsley.
   • Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the meatballs:
   • With clean hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. This recipe should yield around 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size.
4. Cook the meatballs:
   • Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and lightly coat it with spray oil.
   • Once the pan is hot, add the meatballs, making sure to space them out evenly. Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so that they brown evenly on all sides.
   • Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Cook the onions:
   • In the same frying pan, add the finely chopped red onions. If needed, add a bit more spray oil. Cook the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and become translucent.
2. Add the garlic and thyme:
   • Add the crushed garlic and dried thyme to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. The aroma of the garlic and thyme should be fragrant.
3. Deglaze and add tomato paste:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and balsamic vinegar. Let the vinegar cook off for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the chicken stock:
   • Pour in the chicken stock, stirring everything together.

Step 3: Simmer the Meatballs

1. Return the meatballs to the pan:
   • Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Ensure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature must attain 165°F (75°C).
2. Finish the sauce:
   • Once the meatballs are fully cooked, stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
   • Sample the sauce and modify the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve the meatballs:
   • Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, if desired.
   • These meatballs are perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Conclusion:

These Mushroom and Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish, made even better with a rich, savory onion and herb sauce. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and sharp parmesan creates a delicious bite, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special event, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.